Derry MLAs go back to school

The group, who gathered for a strategic planning session in the campus, included former NWRC students Sinead McLaughlin, SDLP MLA, and Gary Middleton DUP MLA, graduates of the Advanced Medical Secretary Course and Diploma in IT respectively.

Members were given a tour of the college’s facilities by campus manager for NWRC Limavady, Luke McCloskey, who revealed how the college had recently introduced six new full-time courses that can lead directly to employment or further study.

Mr McCloskey said: “We were delighted to invite the group to our campus to see at first-hand the work that has been done to welcome students and staff back to a safe and Covid-19 compliant environment.

“The last few months have been challenging for staff and students but we’re looking ahead to our 20/21 academic year.”

During the tour, the group met with students who have just begun their first year in the Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing course.

“We are very enthusiastic about our courses in Veterinary Nursing,” explained Mr McCloskey. “The course is extremely popular, in fact within two weeks of advertising it, the course had reached maximum capacity.

“Our Veterinary Nursing students have a real passion for what they are doing, and with students enrolling from as far as Omagh and Armagh we see a huge demand for training in this field. All of these students have received work placements with veterinary practices, combining our academic learning with hands on training.

“Work is nearing completion on our new state-of-the-art Veterinary Surgery laboratory at Limavady Main Street, offering students a real working environment when they are in college. As well as this physical investment in our curriculum, we are pleased to welcome industry professionals from the world of Veterinary Science to our Lecturing team.

“Limavady Campus is continuing to look at the needs of the local economy and we continue to adapt our curriculum offering to meet this demand. Last year we introduced our Level 3 Extended Diploma in Uniformed Public Services. This two year course, which is equivalent to three A-Levels, is popular with students aged 16, interested in a career in the emergency services and prepares them to enter training for these careers when they are 18.

“Alongside this, Limavady Campus also offers courses in Dental Nursing, Classroom Assistant, and our Extended Diploma in Applied Medical Science alongside our extensive range of FE and HE courses in Art and Design, Media, Science, Adult Learning, Sport, Early Years, Care and Health, Hospitality and Catering, Hairdressing and Beauty, business and IT.

Our campus at Greystone also provides a range of courses focusing on apprenticeships, skills &Engineering.”

For more information on courses at NWRC Limavady